Missing worker's body found at construction site in NW Harris Co.

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The body of a missing worker was found at a construction site after a excavator accident earlier today.

Divers searched a trench under construction in northwest Harris County Monday morning, after the construction worker went under when the backhoe he was driving toppled over. This morning's rescue effort morphed into a recovery mission.

Investigators say mud underneath the heavy excavator gave way, and the machine slipped into 12 feet of water.

SkyEye HD caught images from above, showing the huge piece of equipment submerged, with just the arm above water.

First responders tell Eyewitness News the worker was digging the trench because it's being widened, when the ground became unstable. Another worker saw it happened and tried to help.

"In further talking to him they said they were sure someone was inside the cab when it went down but was not wearing a seat belt and could not be found," said Chief Michael Grove with Little York Fire Department.

A Harris County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said their marine dive team recovered the worker's body from the water shortly after noon.

Deputies say the man is in his 60s. His name has not been released.

The accident is under investigation.

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